49ers’ George Kittle pleads the 5th on Brandon Aiyuk’s expected return to facility
· Yahoo Sports
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
49ers’ George Kittle pleads the 5th on Brandon Aiyuk’s expected return to facility appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is reportedly inching closer to making a return to the NFL, after last having played in October 2024. Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus injuries in his right knee against the Kansas City Chiefs, and now plans to return to the 49ers’ training facility.
Visit newsbetting.cv for more information.
And well, tight end George Kittlehilariously declined to discuss Aiyuk’s potential return to the team, per a post on X by Grant Cohn.
I asked George Kittle if he’s looking forward to seeing Brandon Aiyuk in the 49ers’ facility tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/r9dcci8iJs
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) November 5, 2026
“Plead the fifth, yeah. You can ask John. Or Kyle. Don’t ask me. I’m a conspiracy guy,” he said.
Kittle’s response came as Aiyuk’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed Wednesday that the 28-year-old had submitted the necessary paperwork to return and planned to report to the 49ers’ facility Friday afternoon. Rosenhaus said Aiyuk was healthy and ready to play, and San Francisco will now determine whether to reinstate Aiyuk.
General Manager John Lynch describing the situation as fluid and confirmed that the organization is working with the NFL Management Council to find a path that works for both sides, per ESPN. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he had mentally moved on from Aiyuk and did not expect an immediate resolution.
Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 season during his recovery. His relationship with San Francisco deteriorated further after the organization voided approximately $27 million in guaranteed contract money in July 2025, citing his failure to complete required rehabilitation sessions.
The 49ers subsequently placed him on the reserve/left squad list in December after he stopped reporting to the facility, and his failure to report for training camp in July resulted in his placement on the reserve/did not report list. His current designation means San Francisco is not paying him and he does not occupy a spot on the active roster.
The 49ers have previously attempted to trade Aiyuk, and a release remains a likely outcome.
Related: 49ers’ Brock Purdy gets candid about possible Brandon Aiyuk reunion
Related: 49ers’ Trent Williams addresses uncomfortable Brandon Aiyuk reality